Senate President Godswill Akpabio has been urged to revoke the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as it infringes upon her constitutional right to freedom of expression. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a non-governmental organization advocating for transparency and human rights in Nigeria, condemned the Senate’s decision, warning that it undermines democratic values and sets a troubling precedent for legislative governance.
In a statement issued on March 8, 2025, and signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP described the suspension as “patently unlawful” and urged the Senate to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan without delay. The organization stressed that the punishment imposed on the senator, including the withholding of her salary and allowances, was unjust and a direct violation of constitutional and international human rights protections.
The Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following allegations that she spoke without permission and refused to take her designated seat in the chamber. SERAP contended that such actions do not justify punitive measures, stating that no legislator should face penalties for exercising their right to free speech, especially within a democratic institution that should serve as a beacon of the rule of law.
Furthermore, SERAP warned that if the Senate failed to act within 48 hours of receiving its request, it would take legal action to challenge the suspension in the interest of justice and public accountability. The organization underscored that the decision not only silences Akpoti-Uduaghan but also disenfranchises her constituents in Kogi Central, limiting their right to political participation.
Citing both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, SERAP reaffirmed that freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy. It called on the Senate to amend its standing orders to prevent undue restrictions on legislators’ rights and ensure that parliamentary rules align with democratic principles.
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The organization concluded its statement by emphasizing the broader implications of the suspension, warning that such arbitrary actions could have a chilling effect on other senators and weaken democratic institutions in Nigeria. It urged the Senate to uphold the rule of law and protect the fundamental rights of all its members rather than stifling dissenting voices.
